13 "Retire” With Over 3000 NRL Games

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Thirteen NRL stalwarts, who have played over 3000 Telstra Premiership matches between them, will start to hang up their boots over the next month before their official send-off at the NRL Grand Final on October 3.

300-plus games veterans Steve Price (313), Luke Priddis (314) and Brett Kimmorley (307) spearhead the star-studded line-up of players who are retiring or finishing their careers in the UK and have qualified for the NRL’s special Grand Final Day tribute. They have played a combined total of 3045 NRL games.

While Price unfortunately played his last game in June because of injury and the Broncos’ PJ Marsh (158) did not play at all this year being ruled out in the pre-season with a neck injury, the remainder will get to farewell their fans over the next five weeks during the final Premiership round this weekend and/or the four weeks of the finals series – depending where their team finishes.

Of the clubs out of the finals race already, the following players will lace up their boots for the last time this weekend: Sharks captain Trent Barrett (234 games) and team-mate Luke Covell (152); Eels captain Nathan Cayless (258); Ty Williams (Cowboys, 150); Kimmorley (Bulldogs, 307); and Steve Simpson (Knights, 216). UK-bound Luke Patten (Bulldogs, 281) and Brett Finch (Storm, 257) will also play in the NRL for the last time this weekend.

The remaining players, whose teams are still in the race for the top eight or have already qualified for the finals series are: Priddis; Josh Perry (Sea Eagles, 209 – UK bound); and Mat Rogers (Titans, 196).

They will all receive an on-field tribute and a dedicated video package at Grand Final Day. Stats for Retiring/ “Departing” Players (as at August 31, 2010)